The Paediatric Association of Nigeria (PAN) received with great dismay the news about the current flooding disaster that has affected many parts of Maiduguri, Borno State especially the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Maiduguri. It is quite unfortunate that this incident is happening in the midst of severe economic hardship being experienced in the country. We have reached out to our members in Borno State and are happy to report that they have all been accounted for and are safe and well.

We can only imagine the devastating effect of this flooding on the lives and properties of the inhabitants of Borno State. We also acknowledge the impact of this disaster on the children of the state especially in terms of the disruption of routine out-patient, in-patient, emergency and childhood immunization services. The ripple effect of this on childhood malnutrition which is already an issue of public health significance will be immense if not tackled promptly. We hereby urge the Government and all non-governmental agencies to ensure that their emergency response addresses the unique physical, mental, behavioral, developmental, communication, therapeutic and social needs of all children.

Government should ensure that special attention is given to the most vulnerable; pregnant women, nursing mothers and children. The scaling up of childhood nutrition and immunization services in the wake of this disaster is strongly advocated. The Paediatric Association of Nigeria is ready to collaborate with the Government and non-governmental agencies and offer technical assistance to effectively meet children’s needs at this time.

Finally, we ask the Government to address the root cause of this problem to avert a recurrence and pray for a speedy restoration to Borno State!